The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 23, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

Illustrator Pham’s first foray into writing illuminates the complex and compelling world of sisterhood. With an air of nonchalance, a younger sibling narrates, discussing conspiratorially with readers the disparity between herself and her older sister. Through the youngster’s saucy little speeches, Pham adeptly conveys the feelings that close connection to another individual evoke. At the tale’s outset, the younger girl clearly delineates the many differences that set the two apart. However, as it progresses, Pham’s expressive brush pen-and-ink illustrations slowly reveal the other side of the story, illustrating the caring that flows between the two. The digitally produced color enlivens the pages with splashes of pure hues, and its not-quite-perfect placements actually fit in with the energy of the illustrations. Pham’s depictions of the sisters are full of character and vibrancy; the spunky little sister with her outrageously red cowboy hat and the more refined older sister will resonate with many sibling pairs, young or old. Pham offers a frothy fun tale that at its heart shows the depth and breadth of these relationships as something to be cherished. (Picture book. 4-8)

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